The Wisconsin women's hockey team enters this weekend's series with the Ohio State Buckeyes in need of a win. Though ranked No. 7 in the country, the Badgers (1-4-1 Western Collegiate Hockey Association, 7-4-1 overall) have been set back by a disappointing league record, largely due to games against Minnesota and Minnesota-Duluth, each ranked in the top three nationally.
\The record doesn't really show our potential,"" junior defender Kathryn Greaves said. ""We're a really strong team, we've got a lot of players. It's just a matter of getting it together.""
Even though the roster has been struck with some injuries, optimism remains strong. The Badgers gain consistency with each game and are coming off of a high-profile sweep last weekend of No. 10 Mercyhurst.
Ohio State (2-5-1, 3-8-1) is not going to lie down for the UW skaters, however, as the Buckeyes are also desperately seeking wins. Though not flaunting an impressive win-loss ratio, OSU is more dangerous than they seem, with losses coming against the top two WCHA teams as well as eastern powerhouses New Hampshire and Providence.
""Over the years it's been a good matchup; mostly comes down to who wants it more,"" junior forward Steph Millar said. ""I think, following practice this week, we're in a good position to take it from them.""
Wisconsin seeks to prove it belongs among the nation's elite with a strong offensive showing this weekend. One of the main criticisms surrounding the Badgers is their inability to take advantage of scoring opportunities.
""We're getting a lot of good chances; we're just not finishing off the way I think the gals would like to finish,"" said Head Coach Mark Johnson. ""We've been a little snake bitten as far as that category.""
UW's offense has the potential to be a dominant unit, as the team has an ample number of players who can threaten the opposing goalie. OSU must be especially wary of forwards sophomore Jackie Friesen and junior Meghan Hunter, the team leaders in goals and points, respectively.
Ohio State is not without threats of their own, however. Sophomore forward Jeni Creary currently is among the league leaders in points and goals, coming off a rookie season where she earned WCHA Freshman of the Year honors and a place on the all-WCHA first team.
Ohio State also has talent on the defensive side in junior Emma Laaksonen. The 2002 Finnish Olympian is fifth among WCHA defenders in goal scoring.
While holding steady in the rankings, it is clear that Wisconsin needs to improve its conference record quickly. With the confidence and level of play exhibited by the Badgers against top competition, anything less than a weekend sweep of the Buckeyes would be a disappointment.
""I think we're a better team,"" Friesen said in regards to OSU. ""We're stronger, we're more skilled, we have better players and it's a home advantage.""
Ohio State and Wisconsin will face off Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at noon at the Capitol Ice Arena.
